DIY Heating System for SLA 3D Printers

DIY Heating System for SLA/3D Printer Setup

Overview

I am relocating my SLA printer to the basement. To ensure the printers operate within a suitable temperature range, I decided to build a custom heating system. This system allows separate control of the fan and heater, providing flexibility and safety.

Please also check the related models used for upgrading my Saturn 2 SLA printer:

• Saturn 2 Riser for brewing belts von Mattxjs 
• Saturn 2 PTC Heater

Also have a look to my related models for FDM:

• DIY Heating System for FDM 3D Printers

Material List

Core Components

• Digital Thermostat STC-3008 (230V): Two temperature sensors (used in this project).
• IEC Plug (220-250V/10A): Power input.
• Rocker Switches:
• KCD3 (3-way rocker switch).
• PTC Heater (220V, 300W): Heating element.
• Silicone Heating Belt (15x1000 mm, 75W, 220V AC): For VAT heating.

Additional Safety Component

• KSD9700 Thermoswitch/Bimetal Switch (40°C, 5A, NC/normally closed): Prevents overheating by interrupting the circuit.

Wiring and Functionality

Configuration

First Rocker (Thermostat Control):

Controls the circuit for the brewing belt on the resin tank.

Includes a KSD9700 thermoswitch positioned between the VAT and the brewing belt for automatic circuit interruption in case of overheating. This is particularly crucial during initial power-up when the heating element generates excess power.

Second Rocker (Heating Fan):

Activates the heating fan.

Supplies power to the third rocker.

Third Rocker (Heating Element):

Provides additional control based on the cabinet’s temperature needs.

Sensors

Sensor 1: Tracks the VAT brewing belt temperature.

Sensor 2: Monitors air temperature inside the SLA printer cabinet.

Voltage Selection

I chose 230V heating elements for sufficient power, as 12V/24V alternatives lacked the required output.

Please find attached the PDF with the wiring information.

Safety Precautions

Safety first! In my workshop, the circuit on which the heater is operated is protected by a  30mA RCCD circuit breaker. DO NOT OPERATE WITHOUT RCCD!

Household Electricity: Always exercise caution. If unsure about wiring or handling high-voltage components, consult a professional or opt for low-voltage devices.

Thermoswitch: Incorporating a thermoswitch adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring the system does not overheat. Depending on the thermostat temperature sensors' positioning, it may take some time to detect the temperature change and switch off the circuit.

Alternatives: The thermostats and fans are available in low-voltage versions for safer operation.

Important Note: For the 220V version, avoid using self-printed housings to hold the heating element. They get too hot for PETG. For the Saturn 2 you can find the mounting clip of the PTC heater in my collection.

Additional Tips

Temperature Probe Attachment:

The temperature probe can be fixed to the VAT using a clamp made by SurfinBirdman:

"Saturn 2 Vat Handle Temp Probe Holder" by SurfinBirdman

This design is available for download.

Brewing Belt Attachment:

Use risers to press the brewing belt to the VAT container.

Alternatively, clamps specifically designed for this purpose are available for download.

By designing this system, I can maintain optimal temperature conditions for my printers even during winter, ensuring consistent print quality and extending the lifespan of the equipment.